Non-core rotations

CytogeneticsDuring this elective rotation (usually in the third or fourth year), residents rotate through a nearby cytogenetics laboratory. Under the supervision of the scientific director of cytogenetics, they learn principles of specimen preparation and karyotyping.

California Tumor Tissue Registry rotation

This one-month elective rotation, during the third and/or fourth year, provides a unique, in-depth exposure to "registry" or consultative pathology. The outstanding diagnostic material available at the California Tumor Tissue Registry provides an excellent resource. Residents gain firsthand experience in handling difficult surgical pathology cases, under the supervision of a senior anatomic pathologist. This rotation also provides opportunity for research and publication, based on the rich case material.

Forensic pathology rotation

Residents spend two to four weeks on a rotation at the San Bernardino County Medical Examiner's office, under the supervision of two board-certified forensic pathologists. The residents develop a working knowledge of medico-legal pathology, principles of handling evidence, and approaches to toxicological work-ups.

San Bernardino County Blood Bank rotation

Residents spend up to one month on a rotation at the San Bernardino County Blood Bank during the third and fourth years. Under the supervision of a board-certified Blood Banker, residents learn the practical and medico-legal issues relevant to blood donation, screening of donors, and processing of blood products, as well as approaches to tackling difficult immunohematologic problems in transfusion medicine.

Electron microscopy rotation

After their first year of training, residents may spend time in the electron microscopy laboratory, either as a block elective or concurrently with other anatomic pathology rotations. An anatomic pathologist skilled in electron microscopy supervises the resident in learning specimen preparation, operation of the electron microscope, and interpretation of photographs, and interpretation of direct immunofluorescence studies.

Other areas of special interest

Rotations in other areas of interest are encouraged and may be arranged at LLUMC or other institutions. Requests for these special electives are approved on a case-by-case basis.